Feature Story: The Divine Legacy of Thakur Shri Shri Gokhi Baba of Kapil Prasad
Kapil Prasad, Bhubaneswar — The spiritually vibrant region of Odisha has been home to many saints and enlightened beings whose lives continue to inspire generations. Among them, Thakur Shri Shri Gokhi Baba of Kapil Prasad stands out as a revered spiritual figure whose legacy continues to bless devotees even centuries after his earthly departure.
A Saint’s Early Journey
Nearly 250–300 years ago, an orphaned young boy named Gokhidas from Pokhariput embraced a humble life as a cattle herder. A profound turning point came when he encountered three saints, whom he miraculously served milk from a cow that had never calved — a divine incident that marked the beginning of his spiritual awakening.
Seeking enlightenment, he accompanied the saints and returned years later as a transformed spiritual master, soon lovingly known as Gokhi Baba.
Service to Humanity
Upon his return to Kapil Prasad, a small hut was built for him near the temples of Lord Sundareswar Mahadev and Shri Dadhivaman. Baba dedicated his life to serving villagers:
* Resolving their daily concerns
* Offering remedies for illnesses
* Recovering lost items
* Protecting the community from epidemics
* Safeguarding villagers during forest visits
Stories of his divine acts spread far and wide. One such legend recalls Baba preventing cattle from entering a Muslim farmer’s field—a promise that, remarkably, holds true even today.
The Day of His Mahasamadhi
In a memorable divine occurrence, Baba informed the villagers of his intention to meditate in seclusion for seven days. Out of concern, the villagers opened the door on the third day and found him levitating two feet above the ground in deep meditation. Upon being touched, he gently descended and, with his final breath, instructed the villagers to build his samadhi at that sacred spot.
Strikingly, several devotees claimed to have seen him the same day in Puri and Khandagiri—strengthening the belief that Baba was no ordinary saint.
A Living Legacy
To this day, the people of Kapil Prasad worship Thakur Gokhi Baba as a divine incarnation. Devotees from across the state visit his samadhi, offering coconuts as a symbol of their prayers and receiving blessings in times of distress.
Each year, on Makar Sankranti, a grand Makar Mela is organized in his honor. Devotees, including those from his maternal village Pokhariput, arrive with offerings, filling the village with faith and festivity for nearly two weeks.
A Blessing That Endures
Though Thakur Gokhi Baba is no longer present in physical form, his samadhi continues to be a powerful source of peace, healing, and divine grace. Generations of devotees bow at his sacred feet, seeking the well‑being of their families and the world.
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Dr. Shubhra Nanda
Kapil Prasad, Bhubaneswar
